The gang will be sentenced at a later date, along with three other men who have been found guilty of handling stolen goods between March 12 and November 7, 2017, following a trial at Norwich Crown Court.

A red Audi TTRS that was stolen by the gang. Picture: Cambridgeshire Police

Three men convicted for handling stolen goods

Simon Oakley, of Alburgh Road, Hempnall, Norfolk, was also found guilty of conspiracy to burgle on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old, who owns Stratton Quick Fit, a garage and workshop at Elite Business Park, in Salamanca Road, Long Stratton, had previously admitted possession of a firearm without a certificate and handling stolen goods.

He provided false registration plates to the gang and directed others to commit crime. He helped to hide stolen vehicles and pass them off as legitimate.

James Pateman, 55, of no fixed abode, and his brother, Thomas Pateman, 54, of Fen Road, Chesterton, Cambridge, were also convicted on Wednesday for handling stolen goods.

The court heard the men were involved in the disposal of jewellery, some of which would be taken to Hatton Garden for direct sale.

The trauma caused to victims was “immense”

A rifle found in the boot of the Audi TTRS. Picture: Cambridgeshire Police

Det Insp Craig Harrison, who led the investigation, said: “Every one of those crimes had a victim so the trauma and devastation caused in quite a short space of time was immense. They clearly had no care at all for the impact their offending was having on communities.”

Det Insp Mick Roxby said: “This gang were responsible for an unprecedented number of burglaries across our county and had no regard for the people they targeted in such a ruthless way.

“We have worked closely with our colleagues in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, sharing information and intelligence in order to prosecute these criminals and prevent them from committing further offences.

“Thankfully we managed to recover the stolen items in many of these cases; however, you cannot put a price on the emotional impact these crimes have had on the victims.

“I hope these convictions provide reassurance that we are committed to investigate and solving burglary offences in Norfolk.”